I turned a page on the book and pretended not to notice his approach. Bryan loved to make a surprising entrance, and I didn't want to disappoint him. In truth, I didn't care.

Across the crowded terminal a young girl squawked like a bird, excited to see a pair of friends. The three girls embraced and squealed. Nearby, a pair of toddlers wandered aimlessly, stopping to investigate the occasional piece of litter.

"If there were only one penny in the world, it would be worth a fortune, yes?" said Bryan, almost from beyond earshot.

"I guess so," I said, preparing myself for Bryan's latest lesson.